1I said, "I will watch my ways, so that I do not sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked are in front of me."
2I was silent and said nothing. I did not even speak of good things, and my sorrow was stirred up.
3My heart was hot within me. While I was thinking, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:
4"LORD, make me know my end, and how many my days are. Let me know how frail I am."
5Look, you have made my days as wide as a hand, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Truly every man, even at his best, is only a breath. Selah.
6Surely every man walks about like a shadow. Surely they trouble themselves for nothing. He piles up riches, and does not know who will gather them.
7And now, Lord, what am I waiting for? My hope is in you.
8Rescue me from all my sins. Do not make me the scorn of fools.
9I was silent. I did not open my mouth, because you did it.
10Take your blow away from me. I am worn out by the strike of your hand.
11When you correct a man with rebukes for his sin, you make his beauty waste away like a moth eating cloth. Surely every man is only a breath. Selah.
12Hear my prayer, O LORD, and listen to my cry. Do not be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you, and a traveller passing through, as all my fathers were.
13"Spare me, so that I may get my strength back, before I go away and am no more."